Use of standards, codes and regulations for PSRs and exemptions
This guideline lists standards, codes and regulations that could be used by the person carrying out the PSR to determine compliance with the applicable provisions listed in the Table, including:
- American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards
- Canadian Standards Association (CSA) codes and standards
- International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards
- National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes and standards
- Ontario’s Fire Code
- National Fire Code of Canada
See the sections for Items 1 to 8 for details.
In relying on a standard when carrying out a PSR or supporting an exemption, the reviewer must consider the relevant sections of the standard or current applicable standard, as the case may be. The reviewer must be sure that adherence to any standard used would mean that the apparatus, protective element, structure or process would comply with the applicable provisions listed in the Table.
The list of standards, codes and regulations in this guideline are not exhaustive and may be periodically updated.
Reviewed standards and codes
Standards and codes that are flagged with an asterisk in this guideline have been reviewed by ministry engineers and are accepted by the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development as “current applicable standards” for the purposes of an exemption for Items 2, 3, 4 or 7. These standards and codes can also be used to support a PSR.
Standards and codes listed in this guideline but not flagged with an asterisk may be used to support a PSR or claim an exemption from a PSR but would require additional review or assessment by an engineer to ensure that adherence to them would satisfy all the applicable provisions listed in the Table.
European standards
The European Union (EU) requires suppliers of certain products to provide a declaration of conformity that their products comply with applicable EU directives.
In order to use a declaration of conformity to support an exemption from a PSR, it must list the standards or other measures used to prove compliance to the applicable EU directive(s) and the standards listed in the declaration must be “current applicable standards” listed in this guideline.
A declaration that does not cite the specific standards used to prove compliance to the applicable EU directive is not acceptable as documentation to support an exemption. See the Exemptions section for more details.
Changes to standards
Standards undergo a review cycle and may be revised or revoked. A PSR report or exemption document does not need to be updated or redone when a standard is revised or revoked.
Markings and labels
Many pieces of equipment and machines have labels or stickers indicating that they meet national or international standards. Common examples are CSA, ANSI or European Commission (CE) markings. These markings, however, do not indicate that the product meets the requirements of the Industrial Establishments Regulation. Therefore, a mark or label does not exempt the product from the PSR requirements for the apparatus or protective element.
Other Ontario regulatory bodies
Building Code (Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing)
The Building Code (O. Reg. 332/12) is a regulation made under the Building Code Act, 1992 that establishes detailed technical and administrative requirements and minimum standards for building construction. The owner is responsible for complying with the Building Code, except where otherwise specified.
Under the Building Code Act, 1992 municipalities are responsible for the enforcement of the Act and the Building Code within their jurisdiction, with a few exceptions.
Fire Code (Ministry of the Attorney General)
The Fire Code (O. Reg. 213/07) is a regulation made under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997 consisting of a set of minimum requirements respecting fire safety within and around existing buildings and facilities. The owner is responsible for complying with the Fire Code, except where otherwise specified.
Under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997 the Fire Marshal and municipal fire departments are responsible for the enforcement of the Fire Code.
Electrical Safety Authority (ESA)
The ESA regulates and promotes electrical safety in Ontario. The ESA administers Part VIII of the Electricity Act, 1998 and oversees related regulations, including:
- the Ontario Electrical Safety Code (O. Reg. 164/99), which sets out how to do electrical work
- the Product Safety Regulation (O. Reg. 438/07), which governs pre-market approval of electrical products before their sale, distribution and advertisement
Technical Standards Safety Authority (TSSA)
The TSSA enforces and promotes public safety related to boilers and pressure vessels, operating engineers, elevating devices, amusement devices and ski lifts, and fuels.
The TSSA enforces the Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000 and its regulations, including:
- Boilers and Pressure Vessels (O. Reg. 220/01)
- Elevating Devices Regulation (O. Reg. 209/01)
- Liquid Fuels Regulation (O. Reg. 217/01)
- Oil and Gas Pipeline Systems (O. Reg. 210/01)
- Propane Storage and Handling (O. Reg. 211/01)